A simple guide on how to make limoncello overnight! This is the perfect post-dinner sip or as a gift for others!
Why you'll love it
Traditionally, limoncello can take weeks to make. This version, thanks to Infuse by Eric Prum and Josh Williams, allows you to make a small batch overnight.
It is simple, easy, and makes a great after dinner sip, or as a nice gift.
You only need a few ingredients to make this which only makes this even more amazing
What is limoncello
It is a bright lemon liqueur that is primarily made around the Amalfi coast and surrounding areas.
Usually, it is made by steeping lemon peels in a neutral spirit and sweetened with simple syrup.
Traditionally, it is served chilled as an after dinner digestivo, but is also a great ingredient in desserts, like this cherry and limoncello granita, and cocktails.
Ingredients
You only need a couple of ingredients to make an overnight limoncello.
- Vodka - This is our base. We need a strong, neutral flavored alcohol to infuse the lemon flavor.
- Lemons - The basis of the drink is lemons as it was created in southern Italy where lemon trees grow in abundance. Use your favorite type of lemon.
- Simple syrup - To balance out the lemon, you need simple syrup.
How to make
It is surprisingly simple to make this homemade limoncello. According to the book, the trick is a high lemon to alcohol ratio.
- Add everything to a large jar you can give an airtight seal.
- Shake until everything is well combined.
- Store at room temperature for 12 hours.
- Strain out the lemon.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely you can double or triple the recipe.
Yes! I actually recommend letting it infuse for 24 hours just to make sure you get the best flavor.
You could squeeze the juice from the lemon slices if you wanted. Sometimes I add it back into the limoncello even though it is not traditional.
Recipe Card
How to Make Limoncello
Ingredients
- 2 lemons deseeded
- 10 oz vodka
- 10 oz simple syrup
Instructions
- Thinly slice your lemons into rounds.
- Pour the vodka, simple syrup, and lemons into a large mason jar, or airtight container and shake. Leave it alone to allow the lemons to infuse for about 12 hours at room temperature.
- Strain out the lemons from the mixture into an airtight container.
Haley says
How long does it last?
Amanda says
Hi Haley! I'm not really sure. Wit doesn't last longer than a few days at my house, and the book doesn't mention how long it lasts either. I imagine that if left in the refrigerator, it should last a few weeks
Eden Passante says
So awesome! I definitely need to try this!
Amanda says
You will love it! It's one of my favorites to make!
Amaryllis @ thetastyother.coma says
Ooooh! I love this, and I bet my mom'll love it too! She almosts always serves limoncello at the end of her dinners and it would be perfect to have a homemade version of it. Thanks so much for sharing, Amanda!
Amanda says
You're going to love it! It's so fresh and so delicious! I can't stop making it! Thanks for stopping by!
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
Who knew limoncello was so easy? I totally have to try this - the perfect summer cooler!
Judy@ImBoredLetsGo says
Well this certainly looks much easier than the recipe I make all the time...must give it a try!
Amanda says
Yes, I was very impressed with their recipe. As I mentioned, you normally allow it to infuse in slices, but I wanted a bigger lemon impact
Susan | LunaCafe says
This sounds so fabulous. I would love to be sipping a small glass right now. Gorgeous photos! 🙂
Erin says
I had my first limoncello at a cute little restaurant in New York. I have been intrigued with it ever since! I cannot wait to try to make it myself - this looks like something I couldn't mess up. 😉
Taylor @ The Girls on Bloor says
So simple but such a great idea....I had a shot of this for the first time the other night at an Italian restaurant and was surprised how much I liked it!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
I adore limoncello and your version is fab! My husband makes a limoncello but it has to sit for a week or so. Yours really delivers! Can't wait for the lemons on the backyard tree to appear so I can try this version - love it!
Amanda says
Oh man, it would probably taste even better using your own lemons!! Let me know how it comes out!!
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
This looks amazing! I've never had limoncello but I have to now 🙂
Beeta @ Mon Petit Four says
Ooh this limoncello looks so refreshing and lovely! And I loved reading the story about the London restaurant you frequented...I love when small businesses like that turn even more successful. I got a limoncello recipe from an Italian once, but that requires a long time of infusing the alcohol with the lemons, so I'm excited to try this overnight version 🙂
Kacey @ The Cookie Writer says
This is how easy limoncello is to make?! Why have I not made this sooner?! Cannot wait to try and your photos are beautiful!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
Loving this homemade limoncello version! Perfect for all the summer cocktails we love!
Sarah | Broma Bakery says
My sister has infuse and she LOVES it! Now where is that book, I want to go make some of this....
Amanda says
I just bought more lemons to make this again. It's so good. I've since made a few other things from them. It's such a good book!
Ali @ Home & Plate says
Your limoncello looks wonderful. I will have to try your recipe soon. The last time I made limoncello the result tasted like cough medicine. Your looks like dessert. Yum.